Designing & Building Your Dream Home
Expert guidance for homeowners and building professionals. Home energy ratings, industry best practices, and continuing education — hosted by K.T.
Buying Your New Home
A Guide to Home Buying, Second Edition — the essential resource for homebuyers and housing professionals. Now available in print and digital.
The Radio Show
Tune in on the radio and wherever you get your podcasts. K.T. keeps the conversation lively and entertaining, featuring industry experts, builders, architects, and the latest trends in residential design and construction.
Designing & Building Your Dream Home
On the radio and wherever you get your podcasts
Listen Now
All Episodes
35 episodesWhy This Show Is Needed – What You Will Gain by Listening
Good Design is the Foundation of an Award-Winning Custom Home!
Guest: Brandon Bryant
What is Universal Design and How Can These Principles Add Value to Your Custom Home?
The Advantages of Design/Build
ADU’s – What Are They and Why Do I Need One?!
What is an Energy Rater & Why You Need One on Your Project!
Climate Responsive Design – “One Size Fits All” Custom Home Design Is Not in Your Best Interest!
Why Choose Custom-Designed, Stainless Steel Railing for Your Home
Converting an Abandoned Building into Your Dream Home
An Experienced Custom Builder Shares Some Words of Wisdom
Guest: Scott Sevon, GMR, GMB, CGP, CGR, CAPS
Prefab and Modular – Their Growth in Custom Home Design & Construction
How to Receive an Accurate Appraisal of Your High-Performance Home
What To Look For When Choosing Your Windows and Doors
Virtual Reality, 3D Modeling and Artificial Intelligence in Residential Architecture
Caring for the Marble, Metal and Stone in Your Home
Rammed Earth Homes – Soundproof, Fireproof, Floodproof, and Gorgeous!
A Kitchen, Located Outdoors, Will Help Your Family Create Beautiful Memories
Integrating LIGHT, PLACE and TIME into the Design of Your Custom Home
Integrating the Principles of Universal Design into the Remodel of Your Home
Building an Affordable Custom Home that Has No Monthly Heating and Cooling Costs
Why Lighting Design Is Such an Important Element in Your Home
Including Custom Metal Work in Your Home – The Benefits
The New American Home 2024
Remodeling an Historic Home
A Patented Custom Home Construction Process Refined Over 80 Years!
Guest: Christina Lindal, President of Lindal Cedar Homes
Hiring a Residential Designer to Help You Bring Your Dream Home to Life!
Guest: Molly McCabe, McCabe by Design, LLC
Building Custom Homes in and around Scottsdale, AZ
Irons Design Build Center – 25 Years of Exceptional Craftsmanship in Residential Remodeling!
Indoor Golf Simulators – This May Quickly Become the Most Popular Room in Your Home!
Why Your Dream Home Needs a Gorgeous Outdoor Kitchen & Entertainment Area!
The Annual CRAN Symposium – Where Residential Architects Learn From Their Peers
Steel Studs to Frame Your New Home, or Wood Framing – Which is Better?
What Home Buyers Really Want!
The Cost vs. Value Report: A Useful Research Tool for Remodeling Your Home
Guest: Todd Tomalak, Principal Advisor, Zonda
Utilizing the Tools at HOUZZ to Help Residential Architects and Custom Home Builders Grow Their Business
Guest: Liza Hausman, VP of Industry Marketing at HOUZZ
Buying Your New Home
A Guide to Home Buying, Second Edition
Buying a new home doesn't have to be overwhelming — when you know what to expect, every step becomes easier. This invaluable resource is ideal for housing professionals to give to potential home buyers. From choosing the right builder and architect to understanding contracts and closing day, this essential guide walks home buyers through the entire process with clarity and confidence.
Inside You'll Find
- Practical advice for selecting your builder, architect, and community
- Step-by-step guidance on budgeting, financing, and contracts
- Tips for designing and customizing your new home
- Checklists to help you stay organized from start to finish
- Helpful insights into construction, inspections, and orientation
- What to expect at closing and how to make moving in stress-free
Print Copies
Sets of 10
72-page paperback, 5.5" x 8.5" — ideal for housing professionals to share with potential home buyers.
Digital Copy
Individual download
Get instant access to the complete guide in digital format — read on any device, anywhere.
Golf Networking Events
Plans2Puts hosts 3-4 golf tournaments each year for architects, builders, and remodelers — timed alongside major industry conferences. These scramble-format events bring together building professionals and select product sponsors for a day of networking on championship courses.
Upcoming Events
Plans2Puts — NAHB Spring Leadership
Golf Scramble
Join fellow builders and remodelers for a day on the links before the NAHB Spring Leadership Meeting kicks off in the nation's capital. Network with industry leaders while enjoying world-class golf in the D.C. area.
Date
June 8, 2026
Morning Tee Time
Location
Washington, D.C. Area
Course TBA
Associated Conference
NAHB Spring Leadership Meeting & Legislative ConferenceWashington, D.C. — home to iconic monuments, world-class dining, and some of the finest golf courses on the East Coast. The capital city offers an unmatched backdrop for business and leisure.
A premier D.C.-area championship course will be announced soon.
Registration Coming Soon
Plans2Puts — AIA Conference
Architects & Builders Golf Scramble
A networking golf scramble designed for residential architects and custom home builders ahead of the AIA Conference on Architecture. Build relationships on the fairway before the conference begins.
Date
September 22, 2026
Morning Tee Time
Location
San Antonio, TX
Course TBA
Associated Conference
AIA Conference on Architecture 2026San Antonio — where Texas Hill Country charm meets vibrant culture. Known for the River Walk, the Alamo, and outstanding golf courses set among rolling hills, live oaks, and stunning vistas.
A top-rated San Antonio Hill Country course will be announced soon.
Registration Coming Soon
Plans2Puts — IBS 2027
Builders Golf Scramble
The annual Plans2Puts tradition returns to Las Vegas for IBS 2027. Tee off the Sunday before the International Builders' Show opens and connect with building professionals from across the country.
Date
Sunday, February 1, 2027
Morning Tee Time
Location
Las Vegas, NV
Course TBA
Associated Conference
International Builders' Show 2027Las Vegas — the entertainment capital of the world. Beyond the Strip, Las Vegas boasts spectacular desert golf courses with dramatic mountain backdrops, year-round sunshine, and unforgettable experiences.
A spectacular Las Vegas desert course will be announced soon.
Registration Coming SoonPast Events
Plans2Puts — IBS 2026 Orlando
Sunday, February 15, 2026 · ChampionsGate National Course, ChampionsGate, FL
Our inaugural Orlando event was held at the stunning ChampionsGate National, a Greg Norman design at the Omni Orlando Resort. Players enjoyed lush fairways framed by mature pine, oak, and cypress groves with spring-fed lakes adding to the challenge.
View Event DetailsServices That Build Confidence
Whether you're a homeowner planning your dream project or a professional looking to grow your practice, we provide the expertise and resources you need.
Powered by RESNET
Home Energy Rating System (HERS Index)
The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) sets the national standard for home energy ratings. With over 4.8 million homes rated and 6,600+ certified raters across America, HERS is the gold standard for measuring residential energy performance. Learn more at resnet.us
Home Energy Raters
RESNET-certified Home Energy Raters use the HERS Index — the industry standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency. Like an MPG label for your home, a HERS Score helps homeowners and builders ensure better comfort, lower energy costs, and higher resale values.
Industry Best Practices
Stay current with the latest building codes, materials, and construction methods through our expert-curated resources.
Continuing Education
Professional development courses and certifications for architects, builders, and remodelers to advance their careers.
For Professionals
Resources specifically designed to help residential architects and custom home builders grow their businesses and improve marketing.
For Homeowners
Expert guidance to help you navigate the design and construction process, from initial concept to move-in day.
Quality Assurance
Ensuring every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and building code compliance.
Publications & Social
Kevin Harris writes regularly for print publications and shares expert insights on residential design, construction trends, and home improvement across multiple platforms.
Print Publications
What Homebuyers Really Want
A deep dive into NAHB's survey results on homebuyer preferences — covering trends in home sizes, affordability, buyer preferences for suburbs and single-family homes, alternative framing materials, and community features.
Building a Luxury Outdoor Kitchen
A comprehensive guide to designing and building luxury outdoor kitchens, covering planning considerations, design philosophy, appliance selection, material choices, and creating an outdoor space that becomes the heart of the home.
This May Quickly Become the Most Enjoyable Room in Your Home
An in-depth guide to adding a golf simulator room to your home — covering how to choose a simulator, installation options from DIY to professional, space requirements, and how these rooms serve as multi-purpose entertainment spaces.
Connect Online
Substack
Coming Soon
X (Twitter)
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
YouTube
Coming Soon
Continuing Education
Elevate your expertise with industry-leading educational content designed for residential design and construction professionals.
For Professionals
Advance Your Career with Expert-Led Training
Best Practices
Industry Standards That Set You Apart
Building Codes & Standards
Stay current with evolving residential building codes, energy requirements, and safety standards.
Professional Certifications
Earn continuing education credits recognized by industry associations and licensing boards.
Business Growth
Marketing strategies, client relations, and business development for design and construction professionals.
Technical Resources
Access detailed guides on materials, methods, and emerging technologies in residential construction.
About Kevin Harris
Assoc. AIA, NCARB | Known as K.T. on the radio
Kevin Harris is the Director of Sales & Marketing at AGS Stainless, Inc. (AGS), a railing manufacturer specializing in 100% offsite fabrication of custom railing systems. He is also the host of "Designing and Building Your Dream Home" — a weekly radio show available on the radio and wherever you get your podcasts — where he goes by K.T., dedicated to helping homeowners and building professionals navigate the world of residential design and construction.
Before his position with AGS, Kevin founded four industry-leading firms, including two information technology companies — one specializing in web-based process management tools for Fortune 100 corporations and another that built predictive modeling applications for federal agencies. He also founded a real estate development firm that spearheaded the restoration and redevelopment of a historic seaport community's downtown waterfront, as well as organizing and founding a state-chartered community bank, which when it opened was the fastest bank to receive a charter in the history of Washington State.
Kevin currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 6,000-member National Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN). He also serves as Immediate Past Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Leading Suppliers' Council (LSC).
A contributing writer for West Sound Magazine, Kevin's articles cover topics from homebuyer trends to luxury outdoor kitchens and innovative home entertainment spaces. He is the co-author of the recently released "Buying Your New Home: A Guide to Home Buying, Second Edition", published by NAHB BuilderBooks, now available for purchase.
Director of Sales & Marketing
AGS Stainless, Inc.
Assoc. AIA, NCARB
Professional Credentials
Imm. Past Chair, AIA CRAN
6,000-Member Network
Imm. Past Co-Chair
NAHB Leading Suppliers' Council
Weekly Radio Host
On the radio & wherever you get your podcasts
Co-Author
Buying Your New Home, 2nd Ed.
Get in Touch
Whether you're a homeowner with questions about your project or a professional interested in our services, we'd love to hear from you.